Legislative Council, Thursday 31 October 2024

Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for PARKS , Mr DUIGAN

On a recent visit to Whaleback Ridge, there was evidence that significant fuel reduction burns have been undertaken in that area. Concerns have been expressed with regard to the extent of those burns, both in the area burnt and the ferocity of the burn, as we might determine it, such that now the surrounding land is eroding.

Are you, as minister, aware of that and what advice have you provided, or will you provide, to Parks and Wildlife about future burns in that area, considering the sensitive nature of that part of the landscape?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for the question. I am aware of fuel reduction burning that was undertaken in the area of Whaleback Ridge a little time ago. Obviously, it is a very large responsibility for the Parks and Wildlife Service and the fuel reduction burning is critical as we think about the fire risks that are present in our state. Parks and Wildlife Service bears responsibility for the largest areas of fuel reduction burning, often in some of those wilder, more remote areas.

I have been to the north-west coast and visited park staff and the fire teams are out doing that work and I thank them very much for it. It is, of course, by its very nature, something of an inexact science. There are risks associated with burning the countryside and it does not always, as much as pre-planning goes into it, go exactly where you want it to go, noting that weather conditions are changeable here in Tasmania.

As to the erosion that you are speaking about in that area, I need to take that on notice and will provide some information back to you if you are happy for that to be the case.